Unusual Recurrence of Antituberculosis Drug-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Children: A Case Series

Am J Case Rep. 2021 Jul 16:22:e930828. doi: 10.12659/AJCR.930828.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Antituberculosis drug-induced hepatotoxicity (ADIH) is a possible adverse event of antitubercular treatment. There are still no official guidelines for ADIH management in children. Recurrent ADIH is infrequently reported. CASE REPORT In this article, we report 6 unusual cases of recurrent ADIH in children. Five children developed ADIH during the intensive phase. Streptomycin and ethambutol were given to those with tuberculosis meningitis, urinary tract tuberculosis, and one patient with pulmonary tuberculosis with HIV infection and cardiac comorbidities. Five patients experienced a second ADIH episode after reintroduction. One patient developed ADIH symptoms again before reaching a full dose of isoniazid. The patient with pulmonary tuberculosis, HIV infection, and dilated cardiomyopathy experienced secondary episodes of ADIH and received levofloxacin and ethambutol as additional drugs. CONCLUSIONS Recurrent ADIH is relatively uncommon in children but may be encountered in daily practice. Reintroduction of previous treatment regimens should be tailored individually. There is an urgent need for standardized guidelines for ADIH in children.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antitubercular Agents / adverse effects
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury* / etiology
  • Child
  • HIV Infections* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Isoniazid
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents
  • Isoniazid